01/06/2014  Shatin  Race 4

On arrival at the barriers, Z Purton, the rider of AFRICA LIGHT, expressed concern regarding the horse’s action. The Veterinary Officer reported that he could detect no significant abnormalities with AFRICA LIGHT. When Z Purton continued to express concern regarding the action of AFRICA LIGHT, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. Before being allowed to race again, AFRICA LIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STREET CAT was slow to begin. BAMBOO DANCE became unbalanced at the start when bumped by ORIENTAL FANTASIA which shifted out. After the 1000 Metres, POWER BLITZ was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 500 Metres, STREET CAT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BAMBOO DANCE. Approaching the 300 Metres, Apprentice C Y Lui (STREET CAT) dropped his whip. When questioned, J Moreira stated that LIFE OF BEAUTY was unsettled in its pre-race preliminary and became fractious when other horses were working past LIFE OF BEAUTY on the way to the Start. He said when LIFE OF BEAUTY was unsettled in its preliminary, the horse’s head made contact with the outside fence which, on arrival at the Start, he brought to the attention of the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted LIFE OF BEAUTY across behind runners from its wide barrier in the early stages. He said passing the 1400 Metres he was racing wide outside and in advance of LITTLE WIND and as he felt that he would be left racing wide, he elected to steady his mount after the 1300 Metres and obtain a position with cover. He said after being shifted in behind LITTLE WIND after the 1200 Metres, LIFE OF BEAUTY came off the bridle and he had to ride the horse along vigorously hands and heels to ensure that it was able to maintain its position behind LITTLE WIND. He said when LIFE OF BEAUTY continued to be reluctant to stride out, he slapped the horse down the shoulder with the whip after the 800 Metres and then again rode it along vigorously after the 700 Metres as LIFE OF BEAUTY was getting further out of its ground. He added after the 600 Metres LIFE OF BEAUTY commenced to improve its position and in the early part of the Straight commenced to close off the race well. He said however that after the 200 Metres he was held up for clear running behind HAPPY KAISER and inside BURGUNDY MAC and the horse then lost momentum as a consequence. He said after the 100 Metres he was able to shift LIFE OF BEAUTY away from HAPPY KAISER and when presented with clear running the horse finished off its race well. A veterinary inspection of LIFE OF BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, a complete endoscopic examination was not able to be performed. A veterinary inspection of WINNING ADVANTAGE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LIFE OF BEAUTY, STREET CAT and POWER BLITZ were sent for sampling. <3/6/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>AFRICA LIGHT was examined by the Veterinary Officer at the barriers as Z Purton, its rider, expressed concern regarding the horse’s action. The Veterinary Officer said at that time he could detect no significant abnormalities. When Z Purton continued to express concern regarding the action of AFRICA LIGHT, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. AFRICA LIGHT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan yesterday morning. He said at this time he found the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, AFRICA LIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.